Stocking-supporter.



J. N. OSWALD.

STOCKING SUPPQRTER. APPHCATION FILED mu: 3. H13.

Patented Sept. 14, 1915.

JAMES N. OSWALD, 015 PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.

STOCGPSUPPORTER.

Specification 01 Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. it, iaia.

Application filed June 3, 1913. Serial No. 771,434.

To all whom it may concern: I

Be it known that T, JAMES N. OswALD, a citizen of the United States, residing at Pittsburgh, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Stocking-Supporters, of which the following is a specification.

My-invention consists of an improved supporter for stockings and has for its object to provide a device of this class which will support the stocking or sock by connecting it with the fabric of the drawer leg, avoiding the necessity of passing around the leg of the wearer. Ordinarily such supporters are objectionable and uncomfortable because they bind the leg, afiecting the blood circulation, causing numbness and other, troubles.

Tn the drawings,-Figure 1 is aperspective view showing the device as applied. Fig. 2 is a full size view of the device in front elevation. Fig. 3 is a view of the device in side or edge elevation. Fig. 4 is a view of one of the attaching terminals showing the pincher retracted. Fig. 5 is a vertical section on the line V. V. of Fig. 2. Fig.

6 is a similar view, showing the button tongue pivoted to the sliding keeper.

The device consists generally of two terminal attaching devices A and B connected by a supporting element, as a cord C.

The attaching terminal A, which is preferably used for connection withthe drawer leg consists of a thin, flat, metallic looped base member 2 comprising a surroundlng flat band having an open middle portionB, the band being rounded at one end, surrounding such opening, providing an enlarged interior, the sides of the band con verging inwardly toward the. attaching nd t, being brought together to provide the narrowed tapering slot for engaging the fabric of the drawer. Pivotally connected at one side of the loop member 2, by a pivot ing rivet 6, is a curved gripping arm 7 conforming to the shape of the loop member, extending through a slotted keeper 8 allowing for lateral movement of arm 7yon the pivot 6, and terminating in an inwardly turned end 9 having a rounded edge and adapted to pass across the lower portion of the narrowed slot 5. and pinch the goods to insure non-slipping engagement therewith. For the purpose of thrusting the arm 7 and its pinching end 9 inwardly toward the center of the holder, its lower end is provided with an attachment 10 for the upper end of the cord member C by folding the metal lips around the cord as shown, or otherwise as preferred. Such attachment for the cord is in alinement with the longitudinal center of the base member.

The other attaching terminal B consists of a clasp adapted to engage the upper edge of the stocking b by an inner thin plate metal tongue 11 and an outer similar tongue 12. Tongue 12 is loop-shaped at its lower portion, having a rounded opening 13 termnating in a narrowed slot 14 for engagement of the fabric of the sock and the neck of a button 15. Button 15 is preferably covered with rubber and extends forwardly from the lower end of tongue 11, and is adapted to push the goods through the enlarged opening 13 and to forcibly hold the sock when the button and tongue 11 are forced out wardly and downwardly along the back of tongue 12, and neck of button 15 along through the narrowed slot '14, as will be readily understood. The rear tongue isslidably mounted on .shank 16 of tongue 12 by an embracing keeper 1'7, to, which the button tongue 11 is loosely connected by holding rivets 18, or a hinge 18 (Fig. 6), allowing it to be pressed backwardly from engagement with the front tongue shank 16, as in dicated in dotted lines in Fig. 3 and in Figs. 5 andb. The range of longitudinal-movement of the back tongue and its button is preferably just suilicient to bring the button into register withthe centers of the large and small openings of the tongue 12.

.The upper end of front plate 12 and its shanks 16 is provided with an eyel9 through which passes the lower looped end of cord C, as shown, with sufficient clearance for free slippage.

A lengthening and shortening buckle 20 of any suitable construction is preferably provided, connected to one end of the cord and slidably engaging the other strand, for adjusting the length of the device to the wearers convenience, as will be readily understood.

It will be obvious that a strap,ribbon, or other suitable device may be substituted for the cord C, and that the supporter as a whole may be made in diflerent proportions or sizes, or of various material, without departure from the scope of the claim.

The advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated by all those familiar with the use of such articles. It is very light, comparatively thin, and occupies a minimum of space. -It is easily and quickly applied or disconnected, and may be used with either full length drawers, or with knee drawers by attachment to the lower edge thereof, in much the same manner as with the edge of the stocking, and if, desired it may be reversed end for end.

one side of said looped base member, rounded to conform with one side of its rounded end portion and provided with an attaching terminal located. at the middle of said rounded portion, said gripping arm being extended beyond its pivot and provided with an inwardly turned pinching terminal operable across the terminal slot portion of the base, and a slotted keeper secured to the side of the base embracing said gripping arm and providing for a limited range of movement thereof, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

JAMES N OSWALD. 

